The 'Coathanger' to get a makeover: Landmark Sydney Harbour Bridge due for first new paint job since 1932 - and it'll take two years

It takes around 30,000 litres of paint for just one coat on the Harbour Bridge

The iconic bridge, which spans the central and northern parts of the city, will be sanded back to bare steel and repainted using a lead-free paint that is fade-resistant. (AFP/Getty Images)

The landmark Sydney Harbour Bridge is to get its first makeover in 81 years with a new paint job that will take two years to complete, the New South Wales state government has said.

The iconic bridge, which spans the central and northern parts of the city, will be sanded back to bare steel and repainted using a lead-free paint that is fade-resistant.

The job, which will involve fifty painters, is expected to take around two years to complete.

The bridge, which was once the world's widest long-span bridge, at 48.8 meters (160 feet) wide, carries vehicles along the the Bradfield Highway and is about 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) long.

It takes around 30,000 litres of paint for just one coat on the Harbour Bridge, which is nicknamed 'The Coathanger', and huge sections of the bridge have suffered from heavy rust and erosion.